GOTHIC FRANCE

• What is the Gothic style called in French?

  L' architecture Ogivale
• What are the main architectural characteristics of Gothic architecture?

  • Vaulting framework of pointed arch ribs (Ogival system)
  • Chevet with surrounding ambulatory and chapels
  • Less prominent transepts
  • Fleche (slender spire)
• What is a 'chevet' in Gothic architecture?

  An apse with a surrounding ambulatory
• What is a Lady chapel?

  A chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary
• What is a chantry chapel used for?

  Religious services directed by the donor
• How are the three periods of French Gothic architecture distinguished?

  By the evolution of window tracery
• What characterizes the Primaire period of Gothic architecture?

  Pointed arches and geometric tracery windows
• What is the Secondaire period of Gothic architecture known for?

  Circular windows with wheel tracery
• What is the Tertiare period of Gothic architecture also called?

  Flamboyant
• Who was the architect behind the Basilica of Saint-Denis?

  Abbot Suger
• What is significant about Albi Cathedral?

  It is the largest brick building in the world
• What was discovered during the laser cleaning of Amiens Cathedral?

  Its western façade was originally painted
• What is the height of Beauvais Cathedral's nave?

  48.5 m
• What is unique about Bourges Cathedral?

  It has no transepts
• What is La Sainte Chapelle known for?

  Housing precious religious relics
• What is the significance of Chartres Cathedral's stained glass windows?

  They are renowned for vivid blue color
• What is the nickname given to Chartres Cathedral?

  The Stone Made Bible
• What is the height of Strasbourg Cathedral?

  142 m
• What is Laon Cathedral known for?

  Its imposing towers
• Who began the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral?

  Bishop Maurice de Sully
• What caused the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019?

  Faulty electrical wiring
• What is the goal of the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral?

  To ensure authenticity and coherence
• When is the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral expected to be completed?

  By the end of 2024
• What is Reims Cathedral known for?

  Coronation church of French kings
• How many sculptures adorn the façade of Reims Cathedral?

  500 sculptures
• What is the significance of the "Sourire de Reims" statue?

  It is the emblem of the city of Reims
• When did the construction of Soissons Cathedral begin?

  About 1195
• What is unique about Rouen Cathedral's spire?

  It is the highest spire in France
• When was Rouen Cathedral's spire erected?

  1876
• What are the key features of fortified towns in Gothic architecture?

  • Le Mont Saint Michel: Medieval Benedictine Abbey
  • Carcassonne: Restored historic fortified city
• What is Le Mont Saint Michel known for?

  Medieval Benedictine Abbey
• What is significant about Château Gaillard?

  It uses early principles of concentric fortification
• Who built Château Gaillard?

  Richard the Lionheart
• What is Château de Pierrefonds known for?

  Defensive military architecture from the Middle Ages
• What style is Château d'Amboise built in?

  French late Gothic Flamboyant style
• What is the significance of the Chapel of Saint Hubert?

  It is the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci
• What are the notable features of Hôtel de Ville structures in Gothic architecture?

  • Hôtel de Ville, Arras: Renaissance style, 76 m belfry
  • Hôtel de Ville, Bourges: Late Gothic Flamboyant Style tower
  • Hôtel de Ville, Compiègne: Late Gothic Flamboyant Style with traceried parapet
• When was Palais de Justice, Rouen built?

  1508
• What style is Château de Chateaudun roofed in?

  Gothic style
• What is Château de Blois known for?

  Residence of several French kings